Celebrating Style

Top 5 Shoes Every Man Should Own

Nowadays, there is so much choice around that we don’t know where to start looking. No wonder Google is a multi-billion dollar company; their mission statement is ‘organising the world’s knowledge’. And with so much information out there, it’s hard to find what we want, even with bloody Google on our side!

In terms of style and fashion, it’s no different and one department that is forever expanding is footwear. From trainers to hiking boots, men have always been picky with what they choose to protect their feet with.

Though fads and trends have come and gone over the years, like true veterans, five shoes styles remain. Like Mr Balboa, they have stood the test of time and like Halle Berry they just get better with age.

Here are the top five shoes every guy should own. Period!

Your personal choices will mature with age but with these classics, you can never go wrong.

1. The Plain White Trainer

The humble white trainer is an extremely versatile piece of footwear. With a greater number of men gaining the confidence to wear their trainers with trousers, its appeal has never been greater.

Being white means it’s the perfect partner to any colourful outfit albeit with jeans, shorts or trousers. Trendy styles can be determined by the choice of fabric and cut, but for those looking for a classic, stick with simple tennis canvas styles or Converse All Stars.

3. The Black Dress Shoe

Probably THE most important pair of shoes you’ll ever own. For those high-brow formal ocassions or a regular day at work, it’s a classic piece of footwear, so time should be invested when making your purchase.

If they are leather, always keep them polished. I’d rather sit next to the tramp that had shat, vommited and urinated in his own seat, than have to stare at a pair of black unpolished shoes on London Underground. Wear your black shoes with smart trousers or a pair of dark dress jeans in blue or black.

4. The Brown Dress Shoe

For many, brown is the new black. For me though, like Liverpool FC, it will forever be the runner-up (those that disagree take it up with me in the Forum.) It’s still an extremely important investment when you begin to build your wardrobe. You’ll soon notice that you will need to give ya-old-blackens a rest and if you have a grey or blue suit, your brown shoes will be well-matched.

5. The Ankle Boot

This covers a wide range from Caterpillar styles to Chelsea boots. It’s an important piece especially during the winter season. They allow you to wear something other than your trainers or dress shoes with your jeans; lets call them the happy medium of casual footwear.

Ankle boots work perfectly with cargo’s and looser, less dressy jeans. Its high cuts are really making a comeback this year and can be found on every catwalk.